How does one become a Certified Public Accountant?

Ask others you know and trust who have similar needs to yours. If you are a business consultant, for example, and need advice not only on taxes but on what type of legal structure, ask others in your professional organizations who they use.

Do you belong to a chamber of commerce? Rotary? Consulting professional organization? Ask there.

Not only do you want to ask for referrals, but you also want to ask why they would recommend their CPA? Easy to communicate with? Thorough? Knowledgeable? Helpful with business advice?

Ask if they have ever had a problem with the CPA and how it was resolved.

Once you have three recommendations from trusted friends and colleagues, call and ask for an exploratory meeting. You should not pay for this...and you should not go in looking for free advice. This meeting is to see if you want to enter into a business relationship.

After three interviews with well-recommended CPA's you should be able to make a good choice.